5.1 surround sound on Alienware 13/15/17 issue

Hi everyone,

I've been on this issue for some time now, I also have an alienware 15 myself.
All the new alienware laptops, the 13, 15 and 17 r2 all have 2 audio jacks on their sides.
1 is line in/mic
1 is a headset port that support a 4 pole connector (follow the link to see a 4 pole connector)

Now on the specs of the alienware webpage it states for all of these laptops right beside the line in/mic port that the audio is retaskable for 5.1 analog surround sound. So in total support for 6 audio channels. I assumed this was just like the previous M1xX models with 3 ports on the laptop that when you plugged in a jack it prompts whether you want to use it as 5.1 rear, mic or line in.

When I plug in a device in any of the jacks; these are the only prompt options I get:


Now as you can see there is no option for 5.1 surround. Also Even if it was possible, I cannot see how I can pass through 6 channels through two jacks. Perhaps it would be possible if both jacks were 4 pole. But I tried plugging in two phone headsets both 4 pole jacks, but still couldn't see a 5.1 surround option anywhere.

A curious thing is this though:


As you can see It shows 3 jacks instead of 2 in the jack information. I don't know what that 3rd analog jack is, nor how to utilize it.


So the issue is. How can I plug in my analog 5.1 surround sound setup with 3 standard 3 pole jacks: Green, black, orange on this alienware 15 laptop I have?

 

I believe you need something like this: http://www.amazon.com/3-5mm-Female-Stereo-Splitter-Gold-Plated/dp/B0056PVM5G

Not entirely sure though, looks like some people have gotten 5.1 to work using that cable (not on the AW15 but in general). I do find it weird they removed one physical port, was much easier with three. You may try asking an alienware rep for more info.

I haven't seen anyone here with 5.1 audio working on the 15/17 yet.

 

I mailed support, haven't received any reply.
Even though I have next business day premium support, I have no right to do support chat.
I sent a message to the alienware rep here on this forum, I haven't received a reply yet.

About that cable. That is impossible. I can clearly see that the male jack is a 3 pole jack, so it only supports 2 audio channels (left right stereo). So all it does is just multiply the stereo stream to all the 3 ports. So you will hear the same thing from every 3 ports there.

And I totally agree with you, I cannot understand why they made it so much more difficult for us by removing that extra jack. They could have at least put a mini toslink combo port, so could get surround from a single optical cable.

I have started to wonder that it doesn't support 5.1 and they simply are lying on their official website. Hope I'm wrong though. But if they really are lying, I could actually sue them for lying on their webpage where they sell the products.

 

just another thing dell has skimped out on, to let their loyal fan base down. a shame they don't listen to us anymore. Ill be calling Monday to sort this out as well and if i don't get a legit answer, I am returning it and never looking back

 

Okay, I've had a conversation with the premium phone support. And I was told that the 5.1 surround option on the website is a lie. So the laptop does NOT support analog 5.1 surround sound according to him. Which only leaves the option to me to use a stereo headset with those gimmicky surround options in the sound blaster options.
Or buy a usb soundcard.
Of course there is also the option to buy a virtual surround sound usb headphones, but not sure if that would be smart

 

So I guess they just copied/pasted the text from their previous models. They should really edit that.

 

I'm still having this issue. Anyone get a solution?

 

And op, what device did you try to run the 5.1 to?

 

The machine I have is an alienware 15. And like I said above. the message on their website is a lie, the laptop does not support analog 5.1 natively. So your only solution is to get a usb soundcard

 

Please re-read my question. I am asking what device you tried to run the 5.1 sound TO.

Specific surround sound or headset?

 

OP seems to be using a standard 5.1 computer speaker setup with the three 3.5mm jacks (fronts, surrounds, and center/sub).

 

Sorry I misread.

I'm using the tritton pro+ it's a True 5.1 surround sound headset (has 4 drivers in each earcup). It has 2 ways to plug it in on a computer:
Directly with the 3 analog jacks (green, black, orange := fronts, surround, center/sub).

Or I can connect them with an optical toslink/mini toslink cable through the dolby decoder that came with it.

However unfortunately neither of the options work.

 

did dell come up with a solution to recify the situation for you? or compensate you in some way? they probably should for misleading the owners....

 

No they didn't. The only thing they said was: "yes there is indeed an untrue statement on the website. We apologize for this. You can return your laptop if you are not satisfied for a refund".

And obviously I am not going to return the laptop just because of that. So in the end the damage is done to us customers again

 

I was told I would get an official response by last night. I didn't .

I am speechless they didn't offer to make it right. Unreal. Can't say I'm surprised.

 

Well it could output surround but perhaps only through HDMI?

 

Good possibility, but if this is true however, why didn't their support team tell me or the op this?

Step it up dell!

 

Yes of course the HDMI supports surround sound. But you cannot just plug in a headset into the hdmi port for audio only, you need quite some tools for that.
But on the website they state that the 3.5mm jacks (1/8 inch jacks) are retaskable for analog 5.1 audio.
This was possible with the previous versions of the laptop where there was 3 jacks instead of 2. So I assume they just simply copy pasted the text from the old laptop.

 

I just mentioned doing surround audio from the 17, I don't even know if it's possible to manufacture a headset to use hdmi for surround audio

 

it has been 2 weeks and I still have gotten no solution for this issue. I don't know why I even paid for the professional tech support. ( whatever it's called)
just called dell and got hung up on while on hold. not even sure why, we just started talking lol before the hold, they specifically took my number down "in case we get disconnected", and 10 mins later they still havent called back

may just put in a claim through the Better Business Bureau, then do a charge back and send this laptop back.
alienware is no longer a "high end" system

 

Has anyone found a solution to this oversight? I am considering this laptop and this is a big issue with me.